Christopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis -- the dreaded Joker. Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman,… MoreChristopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis -- the dreaded Joker. Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins), and Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by Jack Nicholson and Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Consensus:
Dark, complex and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.

Timothy Mangan

Orange County Register

The Dark Knight is probably the smartest and most stylish action movie since the "The Matrix." It thinks and philosophizes. The subject it thinks and philosophizes about, perhaps not surprisingly, considering the times, is the Iraq war.

Nolan has squeezed enough material for a saga into two and a half hours. The action moves insanely fast, the exposition is breathless, and the big setpieces practically tread on each other's heels. Down time doesn't exist in this film.

One of the best superhero movies ever. Christian Bale continues to shine in this role. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are superb.

Nikhil Nandu

The movie is almost perfect. Outstandingly acted and perfectly directed by Chris Nolan. The movie's only fault lies in the fact that the character of… MoreThe movie is almost perfect. Outstandingly acted and perfectly directed by Chris Nolan. The movie's only fault lies in the fact that the character of Harvey Dent/Two Face isn't given enough time to develop his psychological state. Heath Ledger steals the show and stands out as the best actor in the bunch. The movie gets better and better every time I watch it.

Louis Rogers

Thematically concise and effective, with a line up of truly outstanding performances (Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger in particular), genuinely breathtaking… MoreThematically concise and effective, with a line up of truly outstanding performances (Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger in particular), genuinely breathtaking spectacle and direction by Chris Nolan and brooding, gorgeous cinematography from Wally Phfister.

Jason Lalljee

A dazzling achievement that set a new precedent in not only the comic-book genre, but in film-making itself.

familiar stranger

While lots of people felt it as one of the greatest movies ever, I found it just like any other "one-time watch" movie.
EDIT: Apparently, I… MoreWhile lots of people felt it as one of the greatest movies ever, I found it just like any other "one-time watch" movie.
EDIT: Apparently, I don't re-rate a movie every now and again. But I gotta take this exceptional step for an exceptional flick. Previous rating was 3/5 with the comment typed above this paragraph. However, now I'd like to change it to follows:
On my first viewing, I didn't like it much, but the feelings turned in its favor after watching it thereafter. In fact, when I first watched it, I found it just a bit better than any mediocre movie. Maybe my mood influenced my ability to enjoy it. Happens with me less often than not. However, now I watch it every once in a while (although the viewing habit has changed from every other day to every once in a while, the impression remains) for chilling entertainment.
So now the rating rises to 4.5/5. Excellent dialogues, incredible acting, and, of course, an outstanding execution deserve that in the least. Haven't had a change of heart for the final part as yet.

Bathsheba Monk

I'm definitely on the wrong side of this one. I thought there was way too much back story and talkie talk about why Bruce Wade is depressed and limping.… MoreI'm definitely on the wrong side of this one. I thought there was way too much back story and talkie talk about why Bruce Wade is depressed and limping. The dialogue was weak and predictable. I like bat man. I like comic book movies. I just thought the story here was not well presented. Visually, it looked kind of cool.

Josh Lewis

Now that Nolan had everything in place and the origin story was out of the way, he had pretty much free reign to do whatever he chose and was able to shape it… MoreNow that Nolan had everything in place and the origin story was out of the way, he had pretty much free reign to do whatever he chose and was able to shape it himself. It is safe to say that The Dark Knight is the best superhero film ever made and it forever changed how we perceive not only the superhero film, but also blockbuster film making in general. It has already had an incredible influence on franchises as popular and established as James Bond (Skyfall, the highest grossing Bond film of all time and 3rd in ticket sales out of 23 films. Sam Mendes has confessed himself he was influenced by Christopher Nolan). Heath Ledger as the Joker set the bar for villains in general and will forever be remembered as the character, eclipsing Jack Nicholson's Joker that was supposed to be defining back in the 80's. The rush of watching the opening sequence for the first time is something I wish I could experience again. This is a film that even Batman and superhero non-fans can enjoy because it can also be put up there as a crime epic on the level of the past greats in that genre. This cannot be said about the other two in the series, as spectacular as they are. The Dark Knight is a dark and depressing story not for those who are feint in heart (and probably pushed the limit of the PG-13 rating as far as it could possibly go). Nolan's The Dark Knight is a crowning achievement and a landmark film.

Directors Cat

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I was amazed at how moving and deeply art house Batman Begins was, I still think it… More[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
I was amazed at how moving and deeply art house Batman Begins was, I still think it is one of the most intelligent comic book movies ever made. But Christopher Nolan continues to surprise me with the second installment in his Batman saga, which is even more mind blowing in terms of everything that made the first film great, including a darker and more serious approach. There is just so much to take pleasure in, terrific performances, epic and well choreographed battles, amazing cinematography and one of the best ensemble castings ever. It's a true masterpiece. Absolutely flawless, the Heath Ledger performance as The Joker is scene stealing because it's just so inspired and complexily jaw dropping in which his psychopathic yet comical character engages you on a cerebral as well as emotional level. The epic set pieces are awe inspiringly mind blowing and yet at the same time, they have a purpose. For example, The Joker setting fire to the mountain of consummerist legal tender. Partly due to hugely peculiar and metaphorical scenes like this The Dark Knight stands out not only completely from comic book adaptations but blockbuster and art house genres in general. It has everything that the two rivalling audiences could possibly wish for. It's a film where both parties can collide and be entertained by it's deep substance and enormous spectacle. It is arguably the first big scale clash of the genres, but whichever side you think it shares heritage to, it makes no difference that it's a very emotional, intelligent, mysterious, unforgettable moviegoing experience. One of my favourite director's of all time, Christopher Nolan, would be a legendary figure of cinema if he improved upon it in any sense or every aspect with The Dark Knight Rises. I've now seen it, and I think he made a film as equally as perfect. He is one of the greatest film makers of all time, and The Dark Knight trilogy is the best movie trilogy ever made.

Bruce Bruce

Let's open this review with the fact that Batman is THE BEST superhero ever, with no other even coming close to his levels. So when a sequel is made for an… MoreLet's open this review with the fact that Batman is THE BEST superhero ever, with no other even coming close to his levels. So when a sequel is made for an unforgettable movie like "Batman Begins" expectations are EXTREMELY high. I think that if you could describe this movie in a few words it would be "152 minutes of pure awesomeness." Christopher Nolan probably created the best ever comic book adaptation of a movie. The movie itself has been adapted in a much more realistic fashion than the comic book series. First of all this movie is PERFECT for people who like punches, drama, shooting and explosions. The movie has a complicated plot that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. It's anything BUT corny, since a few important characters die, and the ending isn't happy, but it's flawless. Christian Bale has proved himself one again as an amazing actor. Michael Cane (portrays Alfred Pennyworth) makes you fall in love with Batman's loyal butler. Now anyone that has seen the movie and is reading this review is probably wondering why I haven't mentioned the main reason why this movie is flawless. And yes, there is ONE main reason: Heath Ledger. Heath Ledger portrayed Batman's arch nemesis in this movie: the Joker. Now anyone who has a clue in comic books knows that the Joker is INCREDIBLE. Heath Ledger's acting in this movie has turned the Joker into a LEGEND. I have never seen such perfect and realistic acting than the portrayal of the Joker in this movie. The Joker is portrayed in a much more mature fashion than the comic books, and that's why it was so good. It's simply impossible to describe him: he's bold, insane, smart, twisted and he's so awesome in this film that at some points you love him even more than Batman. If I haven't mentioned it by now, this is without a doubt the best movie I have seen.Those who come with high expectations after seeing "Batman Begins" will not be disappointed. I advise that no one under the age of 11 watches this movie as Two-Face's appearance is rather frightening and the film contains intense action. 4 1/2 Stars 11-15-13

xGary Xx

Being a bit of a latecomer when it comes to The Dark Knight, this film was always going to be about the hype. It's a tall order to live up to the… MoreBeing a bit of a latecomer when it comes to The Dark Knight, this film was always going to be about the hype. It's a tall order to live up to the expectation generated by the most anticipated film of the year directed by one of my favourite directors containing a performance lauded over by all and sundry. Basically, it had a HELL of a lot to live up to. Astonishingly, it did not disappoint. I loved Batman Begins, particularly its examination of the psychology of Bruce Wayne/Batman and the sequel can be seen as the continuation of a single story in a similar way to the first two Godfather films. This time it's The Joker's show all the way and Ledger tiptoes the line between playfulness and psychosis perfectly. His character is obviously designed to strike a cord with western audiences as a villain with no agenda, fear of death or capture, no objective other than chaos is clearly the ultimate "terrorist". I just wish there had been more dialogue between he and Bale, rather than The Joker making observations while Batman wordlessly pounded on him, but absolutely every other aspect of the film is pretty much flawless; the action, the effects, the performances, all spot on. The script is brilliantly written and I was glad to see it didn't follow the usual pattern of "we're all super-baddies so let's all join up to fight the hero", instead Two Face being a far more believable by-product of The Joker's manipulations. I still prefer the stylistic approach of Sin City, but it's still easily one of the best superhero films ever made.

Christian C

Bale is perfect as Batman. Heath Ledger's final performance was really strong. Good action film and highly recommended.

paul oh

Arguably Nolan's best film by his critics and his legion of followers, The Dark Knight sets the stage for the perfect villain played by the late Heath… MoreArguably Nolan's best film by his critics and his legion of followers, The Dark Knight sets the stage for the perfect villain played by the late Heath Ledger. The Batman suit is revamped and the story is tight so that any audience viewer (even those who aren't a fan of the franchise) can keep up with the story and not feel lost or deprived. Its not just a super hero movie, its a modern day epic.